A curriculum guide model to the next normal in developing construction supervisory training programmes

Purpose>This study aims to develop a curriculum guide model to upgrade the construction supervision practices, considering evolving challenges and thereby the next normal of the industry.Design/methodology/approach>Both qualitative and quantitative research designs were adopted to identify productivity-related challenges that can be addressed through effective supervision in construction. Meetings, discussions, workshops and surveys were conducted among construction experts to systematically develop the competencies of construction supervision. The necessary mapping models were used to identify the level of outcomes for each competency element along with the learning domains and programme outcomes.Findings>A curriculum guide model consisting of 64 competency elements has been introduced with corresponding assessment weightages and mapping outcomes. Using this model, a new training programme has been designed and tested with weightage percentages on learning domains.Research limitations/implications>Although the scope of the study is limited to Sri Lanka, the findings can be interpreted for critical learning in other developing countries too.Practical implications>The study outcomes are expected to make a high impact on improving the standards of vocational training education in the country, thereby upgrading the current industry practices.Originality/value>The developed guide model is expected to be a valuable tool for training providers/organisations in upgrading their programmes/practices with the scope of productivity improvement. The obtained mapping outcomes are significant for the evolving next normal situations in teaching, learning and assessment methods with regard to construction supervision practices.

Affections and coping strategies in time of Coronavirus: a qualitative study

This study aimed to raise coping strategies to deal with social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The spread of the Covid-19 virus has turned into a pandemic as it spread throughout the world, leading to mobility restrictions for billions of people who have faced varying degrees of confinement. This situation has led to extreme emotions of fear, sadness, and feelings of anxiety, with impacts on people's psychological health. Research has shown that the ability to adequately regulate one's own emotions is important for mental physical, and social health and it is relevant to study how people deal with their emotions in stressful situations, such as the current context of isolation in the pandemic. A questionnaire was applied electronically to 463 participants from all over Brazil over the age of 18 years. Data analysis was qualitative, based on responses to an open item that asked about coping strategies to deal with social isolation. The results showed the use of varied strategies to minimize stress and increase well-being. Cognitive reassessment, the search for social support, and distraction were highlighted.

Hesitation to the vaccine in the isolation period in the COVID-19 pandemic

From the moment that COVID-19 was considered a pandemic disease, it began a constant search for a vaccine and/or medicine that would bring relief or quick recovery to individuals affected by the virus. Although there are several scientific evidences that justify the general benefits of immunization, vaccine hesitation remains in constant growth among the Brazilian population, due to beliefs and imprecise and misleading content that rapidly proliferates online, favoring the resurgence of pathologies that can be avoided through vaccination. The acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine by the Brazilian population will also be a guide for future vaccination studies in Brazil. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of the Brazilian population regarding vaccine hesitation and its supposed future risks. From the data that were collected, future research and intervention actions can be traced. The sample consisted of 158 participants from various regions of the country, aged 18 years or over. Data were obtained through forms in electronic format, made possible by the free tool offered by Google: Google Forms. Through the data obtained, it was possible to show that although several attitudinal, political, and religious beliefs associated with vaccination generate vaccine hesitation in the population, most participants in this study did not show significant hesitation about the vaccine. The results indicated a favorable sample for vaccination, it is believed that these results are related to the characteristics of the sample, which is formed by individuals with a high level of education.